Science Center of Iowa

Even if you don’t have kids, there are two good reasons to go to the Science Center of Iowa right now: A brand new “National Parks Adventure” film at the IMAX theater and a very interesting exhibit on race.

The U.S. National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. I wanted the film to be longer! It’s only 40 minutes, and there are so many spectacular parks to feature, it just didn’t seem long enough. But it’s still worth a trip to the SCI.

Plus, the RACE (“Are we so different?”) exhibit is highly interactive and appeals to adults and kids on different levels. A project of the American Anthropological Association, it’s on display through April 3.

The SCI also has fun exhibits about space. I liked seeing the Mars rover replica, especially after reading The Martian earlier this month.

The Science Center of Iowa is closed on Monday; open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The center is also open late the first and second Fridays of every month. Entrance fees vary…I paid $18 for a combo ticket for general admission and a documentary IMAX film.